📖 Scotland🍂Isabelline Wheatear -Collieston 19/10/24

Saturday 19th October 2024 🌤️14C ~ S @ 8MPH ~ The ABZ WhatsApp group reported, quoting, 'a scary-looking Wheatear at Collieston,' which was observed in the late afternoon by Catriona Reid, a warden at Forvie NNR. Shortly after, assistance arrived, and the initial suspicion was that it might be an Isabelline Wheatear

One of my images of the Wheatear on the fencepost. 

I arrived at the location approximately an hour after the first reports, parking at the nature reserve before walking back along the B9003 to a nearby farm. There, I met a group of familiar faces observing a Wheatear species perched on a fence post. 

Another image of the Isabelline Wheatear in harsh light! 

Initially, there was some debate as to whether it was a Northern Wheatear, but the bird seemed different. After spending time observing it and consulting with the more experienced of the group, the consensus grew. Observers who had seen and photographed the bird in flight and on the ground before I arrived pointed out its posture, build, short tail, long legs, the clear dark alula, and the thick, distinct black band on its tail, among other characteristics. Considering their expertise and the additional media commentary and photographs I reviewed today, there is now a general consensus that the bird is indeed an Isabelline Wheatear, marking the first sighting here since 1979 and a great find by Catriona.

Another of my photos of the Isabelline Wheatear.